THE UNNAMABLE (1988) and DARK SIDE OF THE MOON (1990) coming from Unearthed Films

[bruce holecheck]

I did a write-up at my Cinema Arcana FB page -- even though it looks like you guys already figured out the titles... (I was in meetings all day!)

Though Unearthed Films has been around for fifteen years, the company’s recent focus has been the distribution of newer, challenging horror titles and the full-on production of similar content, like their successful AMERICAN GUINEA PIG series. However, head honcho Stephen Biro recently teased that they’re “taking a chance” and getting back to their roots with the 4K restorations of a triptych of Paul White productions, all fondly remembered from the VHS era.

First up is Jean-Paul Ouellette’s much-requested Lovecraft adaptation, THE UNNAMABLE (1988). The film follows a group of Miskatonic college kids who decide to stay the night in their local “haunted” mansion. Unfortunately for them, the old stories are true, and there really is a pissed-off, winged beastie stalking the grounds. Can they make it back to class alive? Packed with gothic atmosphere, gory set-pieces and a truly memorable monster, THE UNNAMABLE definitely earns its spot on your shelf.

Second is Bruce R. Cook’s NIGHTWISH (1989), which finds more college kids placed in peril after visiting a dilapidated estate. This time they’re on location for a professor’s out-there experiments, planning to battle the supernatural with science. And there are aliens, or something. It’s all kind of strange, but there’s plenty of gooey KNB FX to keep you occupied!

Lastly is D.J. Webster’s sci-fi terror, THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON (1990). In the way-off future of 2022, a space crew accidentally travels to the titular eclipse, a sort of astrological Bermuda Triangle that wreaks havoc with their ship’s functionality. When team members start showing up dead, it becomes readily apparent something sinister is at play. A surprisingly creepy, well-made horror that definitely deserves some wider recognition!

A solid trio of films, and though my VHS tapes have served me well all these years, I’m glad to see them all spruced up for Blu. Let’s hope they do well enough to encourage Unearthed to attempt similar titles in the future – I mean, I’m all for exposing newer genre fare to wider audiences, too, but this stuff is much more my speed! Watch this site for further details!